REVIEW: SABA CAFE, Albany (Yemeni-Palestinian)
Saba Cafe
348 Central Ave, Albany | IG: @sabacafeny
We like it for: Late night hang outs, after dinner coffee + Middle Eastern pastries, hookah.
Must try: Sweet Palestinian tea, Turkish coffee, Yemeni honeycomb bread and bint alsahin, Turkish baklava, smoothies, acai bowls
The Vibe: Richly furnished Yemeni hookah cafe with vibrant lights, big screen PlayStation games, relaxed lounge. Note: Steep stairs to 2nd floor.
Sound: Middle Eastern playlist,
Style: Yemeni-Palestinian lounge.
Saba Cafe is a tucked out of sight on the 2nd floor over Saba al Yemen, the new location for recently shuttered Sheba al Yemen, a Yemeni restaurant opposite The Linda Auditorium. Palestinian owner Badee Albarghouthi, an accountant from New Jersey, imported the ornate, velvet furniture from Yemen and the result is a stunning cafe with ample space, a large menu of international coffees, Palestinian tea, Middle Eastern pastries, acai bows and smoothies. Monthly events include comedy nights, beginner dabke dance lessons and belly dancing. There are possible future plans to offer the downstairs Saba al Yemen menu upstairs in the cafe space.
Parking: Street parking
Nearby: 1. Taiwan Noodle 2. Taki Taki Halal Mexican 3. Ichaban Japanese 4. Roy’s Caribbean 5. Saba Sweets (opening soon)
